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Blog Tour For: Rumours, Romance & Rhubarb Crumble

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Gertie buys a run-down house ‘by accident’, she considers it the latest fail in a series of disasters! Her job at the Little Duck Pond Café and the friends she’s made there are a big comfort – especially as temporary boss Alice seems to be going out of her way to make her life difficult. But then Gertie meets the handsome Rafe – and her life takes a turn she definitely wasn’t expecting . . .

Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rumours-Romance-Rhubarb-Crumble-Little-ebook/dp/B0FRLWLK9L
https://www.amazon.com/Rumours-Romance-Rhubarb-Crumble-Little-ebook/dp/B0FRLWLK9L

MY THOUGHTS

Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble is the most recent delicious addition to the Little Duck Pond Cafe series. At this point I may as well be honest. I’ve read so many of the books in this series that it’s become an addiction I’d say. I greatly look forward to each new addition as it’s published and love “meeting up with’ and having a catch up with many of the same characters each time but I’m still loving meeting the new characters in each book as well.
I open the book and start reading and start smiling because, why not? I love all of the books in the series, and they are a ray of sunshine.
I enjoyed the bit of mystery added in and it is a great addition definitely making it hard to put down as I just had to find out what happened.
I loved Gertie’s character; she’s had a list of mistakes and not just laugh it off small mistakes. These mistakes have cost her money, like accidently bidding on a house. Now she’s stuck with it and the repairs it needs are plenty.
Thank goodness for her job at the Little Duck Pond Cafe and her new boyfriend, the handsome Rafe. He’s come along at just the right time, when her previous relationship ends and he’s oh so supportive of her needs. Attentiveness and looks, what could go possibly wrong?
If only her temporary boss at the Little Duck Pond Cafe was friendlier and didn’t act so strange at times. Things are running pretty well and when some unexpected things start happening, we have a bit of a mystery thrown in and I was all for it.
Loved it and already looking forward to the happenings in the next book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Author Bio – Rosie Green is the author of the popular Little Duck Pond Café series, set in the fictional village of Sunnybrook. Watch out for lots more café drama and romance in 2026, including ‘A Cornish Escape’ (out in May) and ‘The Secrets of Midsummer Cottage’, which will be published in July 2026.
Follow Rosie on Twitter – https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88
https://www.instagram.com/rosiegreen_author/

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Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love: A 90-Year-Old’s First Kiss Quest – A Funny, Heartwarming Literary Romance

304 pages Publisher Harper Perennial Pub Date Dec 31 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Eddie Winston is 90 years old. He has lived and he has loved, but he has never been kissed.

A true gentleman and incurable romantic, Eddie spends his days volunteering at a charity shop, where he sorts through the donations of the living and the dead, preserving letters and tokens of love along the way. And it is here that he meets Bella, a troubled young woman who, at 24 years old, has just lost the love of her life.

When Bella learns that Eddie is yet to have his first kiss, she resolves to help Eddie Winston finally find love, sparking an adventure that will take them to unexpected places and, they hope, bring Eddie Winston to the moment he has waited for all his life.

A tale of friendship and kindness that reminds us that those we love are never forgotten and it is never too late to try again.

MY THOUGHTS

Love, laughter, found family, friendship.
A charming book about a ninety-year-old man who works at a thrift store dealing with other people’s memories and a young woman, twenty-four years old. They have a special friendship. she’s dealing with fresh grief after the death of her boyfriend and he’s never been kissed. She helps him to find love. Inspirational, inspirational a book you’ll want to read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressions are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Marianne Cronin is the author of ‘The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot’, which was voted ‘Most Uplifting Book of 2021’ by The Independent, won the American Libraries Association Alex Award, and was shortlisted for a Goodreads Choice award for fiction. It has been translated into over 25 languages.

Marianne’s second novel, ‘Eddie Winston is Looking for Love’ will be released in 2024.

Marianne was born in 1990 and after gaining a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Birmingham, worked in academia until becoming a writer. She lives in the Midlands of England with her family and her cat.

You can find Marianne on Instagram at: @itsmariannecronin

Have a beautiful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Faithful of Heart: A Second Chance Christian Historical Romance set in 1800s Minnesota (A Minnesota Legacy)

304 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date March 3, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can forgiveness and love overcome a tattered legacy?

When dedicated philanthropist Judith Stanford receives a summons from her estranged grandfather ordering her to come to Minneapolis to prove herself worthy of his inheritance, she is hesitant but can’t ignore the potential of her grandfather’s fortune to benefit her causes. And the only man to interest her since her husband’s death lives in Minneapolis, leaving her hoping their paths will cross.

Roman Turner, a local physician with a heart for the poor, harbors a grudge against Judith’s grandfather. Years ago, his unethical actions ruined Roman’s family forever. When Roman meets Judith again, he is shocked to learn the woman he’s thought about all these years is related to the one man he can’t forgive.

As Judith tries to overcome the complicated history between the two families and disentangle her grandfather’s tainted legacy, she begins to form a plan for reparation. But when it becomes clear someone else has nefarious intentions for the money, Judith’s dreams of a new legacy are at risk.

MY THOUGHTS

Faithful of Heart is the first exciting book in the Minnesota Legacy series.
I am a longtime reader of the author’s books, and her books are auto readers for me, all of them. I can’t say I’ve found one I haven’t enjoyed.
It’s wonderful to know I can count on her books being quality written with high values for the characters and they are faith filled but it’s not overwhelming either.
Our main character shows strong values when her grandfather sends for her to come visit to get to know her when he is dying. With no heir to get his inheritance he wants to see if she is worthy of it.
She is a strong and courageous woman and volunteers to help those less fortunate including widows and children with her time and momentary donations.
A doctor who meets her. his family has tried to matchmake for him, but he’s simply not interested until he meets her. They both have the same values.
After meeting her grandfather, he tries to impress her with his wealth and social standing, but she’s not interested and stands firm in her convictions.
There’s a lot going on in this book and once again I am impressed with the authors writing and the strong morals and strength she writes into her characters.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

About the author

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Visit Tracie’s web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com

Thank you for stopping in.

Not my birthday just using the tag 🙂

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The Hidden Palace (The Daughters of War) (Book 2)

528 pages Publisher HarperCollins Publication date

November 22, 2022

ABOUT THE BOOK

An island of secrets. A runaway. And a promise…

A rebellious daughter
1925. Among the ancient honey-coloured walls of the tiny island of Malta, strangers slip into the shadows and anyone can buy a new name. Rosalie Delacroix flees Paris for a dancer’s job in the bohemian clubs deep in its winding streets.

A sister with a secret
1944. Running from the brutality of war in France, Florence Baudin faces a new life. But her estranged mother makes a desperate request: to find her vanished sister, who went missing years before.

A rift over generations
Betrayals and secrets, lies and silence hang between the sisters. A faded last letter from Rosalie is Florence’s only clue, the war an immovable barrier – and time is running out…

MY THOUGHTS

I don’t know the author but if I did, I would shake her hand, tell her how the book made me feel. This book is truly what historical fiction is, it’s makes you come alive, feel things.
This book takes place in 1925 and 1944. While the first book concentrates 0n the three sisters this one focuses on Florence the most though all three are included in it.
The book is about how the war affects them and the choices they make about the war affects them.
I don’t personally have anyone in my family that was in WW11 and I thank all who did serve for their sacrifices but that doesn’t mean I and others weren’t affected by this tragedy we call war.
This book is realism; this could easily have been a written portrayal of three sister’s lives that experienced this.
The mother is a focal point as well; she is desperate to find her sister who disappeared almost twenty years ago and only has an old, faded letter to go by to help locate her.
Life can never be compartmentalized, stuffed into a box and tried to be made neat.
This book is life, it’s also death, blood, violence, caring, making love, compassion, betrayal, fear, wanting to start over, unbelievable grief, associating with people quite a lot different than yourself ,caring for your neighbors as you would yourself, hiding, delicious meals with family and not knowing where your next meal is coming from, it’s ugly, it’s beautiful.
This book should win an award, it’s beyond amazing!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF – The Tea Planter’s Wife, The Sapphire Widow, Daughters of War, Night Train to Marrakech, The Greek House and six others.

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Holiday Hideaway: A Short Story 

72 pages Publisher Amazon Original Stories Publication date

October 29, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tilly Farriday isn’t feeling very jolly this season. Recently divorced and broke, she’s squatting in one of her rental agency’s properties until her new home is ready. The sprinkles on top of the burnt Christmas cookie that is her life? The new owner shows up early, forcing Tilly to hide in the attic to save her job…and what remains of her dignity.

George Holloway is here to sell his granduncle’s house—and to reconsider whether he and his fiancée are right for each other. Amid home repairs, George notices strange noises and missing food, but as much as he gets his rental agent on the phone, Tilly dodges every invitation to meet. He’s sure that someone’s here with him, and it’s certainly not the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, or Future.

As Tilly and George circle each other, they both wonder where their lives are headed and if, maybe, meeting each other is just the Christmas miracle they need.

MY THOUGHTS

Such a cute short story that made me smile.
A light comfort read with characters a bit quirky and a very loveable dog.
Small town charm, a bit of an unexpected setting and the book just didn’t go where I expected it to at all, but it was even better.
Short, sweet, festive and not time consuming making it a great holiday read for when you’re crunched on time.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Steaming cup of hot cocoa on books beside lit candles and pine branches
A warm cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows surrounded by candles and winter-themed books

About the Author

Mary Kay Andrews is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-two novels, including Summers at the Saint; Bright Lights, Big Christmas; The Homewreckers; and The Santa Suit. Her work has been included on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists, translated into several languages, and optioned for film.

When Mary Kay isn’t busy plotting her next novel, she spends her time cooking, spoiling her grandkids, and restoring old houses. Keep up with the author’s latest releases and other news on her website at http://marykayandrews.com.

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A Ferry Merry Christmas

272 pages Publisher Ballantine Book Publication date October 21, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

A delayed ferryboat brings people together in the best of ways during the holiday season in this enchanting Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Avery and Reed Bond grew up sharing a close-knit relationship, weathering life’s storms side by side. Even so, Avery often finds herself exasperated by her brother’s relentless matchmaking, while Reed can’t resist teasing his sister—after all, isn’t that what siblings do?

Facing their first Christmas without their beloved Grams, the woman who lovingly raised them, Reed and Avery decide to spend the holiday together at Reed’s home. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when the ferry Avery’s traveling on stalls in the middle of Puget Sound, stranding its passengers and leaving Reed waiting a now undetermined length of time for her arrival. What is at first an inconvenience threatens to ruin the plans of a number of commuters, but Avery and Reed soon discover that this unforeseen delay might end up being be a perfectly timed blessing in disguise.

While stuck on the ferry, Avery meets a handsome sailor and witnesses a Christmas miracle that reignites her belief in the holiday spirit. Meanwhile, Reed runs into a coworker who’s also waiting for a family member to arrive, and sparks a surprising and delightful connection.

In this tale of holiday magic, the Bond siblings find themselves taking a chance on love, proving that sometimes the best moments in life come when we least expect them.

Christmas-themed kitchen with decorated tree, potholders, and woman cooking
A cozy kitchen decorated for Christmas with a woman cooking and holiday-themed potholders on the table

MY THOUGHTS

Every holiday season I read the author’s latest Christmas book. This past year I hadn’t had a chance to read the latest but I’m so glad I read it now.
The reason I enjoy the author’s books is because not only are they uplifting and feel-good books, but they also have an important lesson in them.
We have several things going on in this book.
An unassuming ferry ride at Christmas time turns into anything but when it breaks down on the water leaving passengers stranded for hours when they have such important places to be and people to see.
These passengers become more frustrated the longer they wait for repairs to be made. Some of the passengers we meet are a separated couple with a child who weren’t expecting to see each other, a young nervous man whose wife is in labor with their first child and siblings who were so close growing up but time moves on and that closeness just doesn’t seem to be there.
I really enjoyed seeing these characters relationships take a turn for the better as Christmas miracles are abound. Upbeat, uplifting and I’m here for it.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Debbie Macomber is a leading voice in women’s fiction. Fifteen of her novels have reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller lists, and six of her beloved Christmas novels have been made into hit movies on the Hallmark Channel, in addition to the original series Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove, based on Macomber’s Cedar Cove books. There are more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide.

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Christmas-The Highland Lodge Getaway: The perfect Scottish feel-good mystery romance to escape with (Scottish Escapes Book 5)

385 pages Publisher One More Chapter Publication date October 20, 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK

Fall in love with the Christmas romance of the year, full of romance and second chances!

Lottie Grant loves the festive season so much that she works at the incredibly successful Christmas shop, Christmas Crackers, in her pretty Scottish home town of Craig Brae. But when the shop is sold, her world is turned upside down, leaving her wondering what she will do next.

Just as she’s about to give up hope on finding a new dream job, an offer comes that she can’t refuse, managing a set of luxury wooden cabins… and opening just in time for Christmas!

As she gets to work decorating the cabins, and hanging lights on the fir trees, Lottie can’t believe her luck. That is until the arrival of Blake Dempster, a moody but handsome hiking expert, who threatens to bring down her festive joy. But never one to shy away from a challenge, Lottie is determined to change Blake’s mind about all things festive.

And as the snow falls and the fairy lights sparkle, will work-obsessed Lottie and frozen-hearted Blake make their Christmas wishes come true?

Christmas kitchen with baking supplies, red decorations, and a snowy window view
A cozy kitchen decorated for Christmas with baking ingredients and tools ready.

MY THOUGHTS

This book has had a title change it was previously The Christmas Highland Lodge.
A lovely Christmas book that is really infused with Christmas. Some books you read have a cute Christmas cover but not much Christmas between the pages. Not so with this one, from the decked-out Christmas shop to the lovely snow, Christmas cabins, goodies and more you really felt the Christmas spirit.
All this Christmas but it didn’t feel cheesy or too much just very nice and heartwarming and welcoming.
A young woman and her Mum work at a Christmas shop, she really enjoys it and dreams of buying it when the owner is moving to the states and will no longer run it.
She’s devastated when her dreams go up in smoke as the sale goes to someone else.
All is not lost as she is offered a job as a decorator/promoter for wooden cabins and she’s excited to get going with it.
She and a new hire have a clash up and are not agreeable about how things are running at the cabins. Opposites attract they say as a second chance at love may just pop up for these two.
Full of emotion as we learn why put Christmas hating fella has such disdain for the season.
A charming story that I wish I had gotten to earlier as I’ve enjoyed other books by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She has two sons and an adopted Romanian rescue pup, Cooper. Journey to the Scottish Highlands is Julie’s fourteenth novel.

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop: A heartwarming and uplifting read from Jessica Redland (The Castle Street Collection Book 5) 

394 pages Publisher Boldwood Books Publication date

September 9, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Nestled amongst the comforting shelves of her beloved Bay Books, Lily Appleton finds the peace and quiet she needs. But with Christmas just around the corner, Lily has to find an extra pair of hands to help her share the bookish magic.

After selling his business, Lars Jóhannsson is feeling lost. A job at Bay Books would give him the space he needs to contemplate his next move, but returning would mean confronting a painful past he’s been avoiding. He’s also fairly sure he’s the one person Lily would never want to see again.

Lily is torn. Lars could be the perfect fit for Bay Books, but he once rejected her friendship and the hurt still lingers. But working together, Lily discovers a vulnerability that Lars has kept hidden away, along with a few surprising secrets. And as the Christmas season sprinkles its magic, Lily discovers the warmth of renewed friendship and the joy of heartwarming traditions from Lars’s Icelandic roots.

Surrounded by the quiet magic of the season and the soft glow of festive lights, perhaps there’s even the possibility of finding a love as enchanting as the Northern Lights on a winter’s night.

MY THOUGHTS

One of my favorite rom com authors, I am still catching up with her books and they are so lovely.
I appreciate an author that can draw me away from the everyday and immerse me into the story like this one does.
A Christmas vibes book is just what I needed to read now even though it’s not the season. I can read Christmas books all year.
Lily and Lars have a history.
They’ve always enjoyed books and he understood her back in school when the others teased her for her enjoyment of books until a big misunderstanding and he shunned her.
Presently she helps her father run Bay Books while her father is in the hospital but she needs help especially around the holiday season.
When Lars applies for the job it just feels awkward and with their last meeting not the best what should she do.
Such a sweet book as they talk things through and realize books really are great and decide to let bygones be bygones. After all who could be more perfect for the job than another fellow book lover.
Nice tension and chemistry between the characters.
I’ll be reading more by the author soon as the catch up continues.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

A warm welcome to my author page! Thank you for visiting.

I live in Scarborough on the stunning North Yorkshire Coast in the UK. My home inspired the creation of the fictional seaside town of Whitsborough Bay where I set many of my books. The Hedgehog Hollow series and Bumblebee Barn Collection take readers to a gorgeous countryside setting on the Yorkshire Wolds. In July 2023, I added the lakes and mountains to my settings with the start of my ‘Escape to the Lakes’ series. I absolutely love this part of the country and am loving writing a series in my happy place.

I live with my husband, our teenage daughter and sprocker spaniel, Ella. I’m a stationery addict with a notepad obsession who loves chocolate (although it doesn’t love me), hedgehogs, 80s music, collectible teddy bears and lighthouses.

My career has mainly been in HR as a trainer and recruiter. I had a brief detour into retail to set up and manage my own specialist teddy bear shop and started writing my debut novel on quiet days in the shop.

In June 2020, I became a full-time author. I’m so very grateful to anyone who has bought or borrowed my books in whatever format, helping me fulfil a long-held dream of writing full-time. I still can’t believe I get to spend every day chatting to my fictional friends and making stuff up.

Enjoy your day. Thank you for stopping in.

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The Sunshine Teashop Blog Tour

The Sunshine Teashop

Dolly Lymford is having one of those days… 🧁🫖

The kind that starts with dreams of opening a café… and ends with discovering your boyfriend kissing your best friend!

Heartbroken and with nowhere else to go, Dolly accidentally-on-purpose borrows her now-ex-boyfriend’s campervan and drives until the road runs out. This leads her to Thimblenouth, a picture-perfect Yorkshire Dales village where life moves more slowly and the kettle is always on.

After literally bumping into gorgeous local builder Reece Sterling, Dolly begins to feel something she hasn’t in a long time: safe. She also rediscovers her love of baking, filling the campervan with the scent of warm scones and freshly brewed tea. And Reece is always around to share a lemon pie or two…

When Dolly has an idea to open her own pop-up café, Reece is all too happy to help. And as the summer sun begins to warm everything it touches, Dolly wonders if she’s finally found a place to call home… maybe even with Reece.

But can she really build a future on borrowed wheels?

A warm, uplifting story of fresh starts, village kindness, and finding love where you least expect it — best enjoyed with tea and cake.🍰

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/SunshineTeashop

MY THOUGHTS

One of my favorite rom com authors. If the author has a new book releasing, you better believe I’m there for it.
Her books are always such a ray of sunshine and give me just the lift I need.
In this one our mfc is done dirty. Her best friend and boyfriend start a relationship. Well, there goes the best friend idea.
But what she does next is unexpected but serves her Ex-boyfriend right.
I chuckled my way through the whole book because it was fun and funny. Realastic and not realistic at the same time this book really is just what I needed. Our mfc shows such character development and growth, trying new things and showing a great way of getting back the confidence she had lost. A new relationship starts in the most unexpected way, and I was there for it.
I was rooting for the underdog the whole time and loved this book. Looking forward to many more books by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Author Bio –

Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane and The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters. Her new series for Boldwood, The Ever After Street Series, is based on the magical world of fairytales.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @jaimieadmansbooks

Twitter: @be_the_spark

Instagram: @jaimieadmans1

Thank you for stopping in.

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The Dogs of Venice by Steven Rowley

80 pages Publisher G.P. Putnam’s Sons Publication date October 14, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

After months of planning a romantic holiday getaway in Venice, Paul is blindsided when his five-year marriage suddenly unravels. Fueled by heartbreak, Paul endeavors to take the trip alone.

Soon after arriving in Italy, he notices a small, scruffy, self-assured dog trotting alongside a canal with the confidence he so desperately wants for himself. When their paths cross again, Paul feels compelled to learn how his new four-legged friend thrives on his own. Amid the food, sights, and welcoming people of Venice, Paul’s journey culminates in a magical encounter that leads him to feel real connection—to a dog, to a foreign city and, most importantly, to himself.

Capturing Steven Rowley’s signature wit, insight, and indelible characters, The Dogs of Venice offers another timeless story of love lost, and independence found—a holiday tonic for the soul.

MY THOUGHTS

When his five-year marriage ends a man is blindsided by it and decides to go alone on the trip he and his soon to be ex-husband had planned on going on in Venice.
While there he discovers a lot about himself and has a newfound strength. We meet a lot of characters some quirky and they help him to discover himself.
There are many “street dogs” as they are called, tame dogs roaming the streets non collared because there is no traffic there and it’s accepted and many are welcomed into shops.
Finding strength through one of the dogs he meets his loneliness isn’t as bad as he had thought.
A poignant read novella length and with a magical feel to it. Connections are made with people, a special city and a dog.
A pleasant read that I enjoyed and wouldn’t mind reading more by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Steven Rowley is the New York Times bestselling author of six novels and the winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor. His fiction has been translated in twenty languages. He lives in Palm Springs.

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.